ANTIQUE - Nansō Satomi Hakkenden - by Kyokutei Bakin (1767-1848)

Kyokutei Bakin (曲亭馬琴: 1767–1848) is one of the great figures of Japanese literature. In 1814, Bakin began writing "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden," The Eight Dog Chronicles, a historical novel of the strange and supernatural set during a time of medieval warfare. By the time he completed it in 1842, the work had spanned 106 volumes, making it one of the longest novels in the world.

Description
A complete two-volume set of Nansō Satomi Hakkenden (Fifth Series), written by Kyokutei Bakin. This Meiji-era woodblock print book features dynamic and finely detailed ukiyo-e illustrations. Each page is richly printed in black and white. The yellow covers feature embossed patterns, while the bright red title page provides a striking contrast.

To avoid disappointment: both volumes are 98% text and 2% illustrations.

Set in the Muromachi period, the story follows the adventures and misadventures of eight fictional warriors born in the Kanto region. They gradually discover their shared origins as the "spirit children" of a Satomi princess and unite in Nansō as loyal defenders of her clan.

The novel, consisting of 98 chapters printed in a total of 106 booklets, is considered the greatest novel in the history of Japanese literature. Bakin, who was in his seventies by the time the work was completed, had gone blind before finishing the story and dictated the final sections to his daughter-in-law, Michi Tokimura. Along with Ueda Akinari's Ugetsu Monogatari, it is considered a masterpiece of gesaku literature and one of the classics of Japanese historical fiction.

The story was heavily inspired by Chinese folktales, particularly Water Margin, which had been translated and published in Japan in the early 18th century, and Hakkenden's main themes are loyalty, clan honor, Bushido, Confucianism, and Buddhist philosophy.

Although only a limited number of copies of the books themselves were printed, the story was retold through various media, including speeches and live performances. This made the story popular across many social classes at the time. In the 20th century, Hakkenden became a strong influence on manga, particularly those based on adventure quests. For example, it influenced Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball (1984) and Rumiko Takahashi's Inuyasha (1996), both of which have a storyline about collecting magical crystals or crystal balls.

Specifications
Author: Kyokutei Bakin (1767-1848)
Work name: 南総里見八犬伝第五巻上下
Publisher: Sanseido
Country of origin: Japan
Publication date: 1814-1842

Technique: Woodblock book
Primary material: Paper
Dimensions: 22.5 cm (H) × 15.5 cm (W)
Combined weight: 201 g

Condition: Antique copy (stains, dirt, scribbles). View the photos.